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West Indies have recalled a trio of bowlers to their squad for next month’s two-Test series of Zimbabwe.
Experienced pacer Shannon Gabriel and left-arm spin duo Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican are included in a new-look 15-player squad, as the West Indies look to bounce back from a disappointing performance in their recent Test series in Australia.
Pace duo Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip miss out on the tour due to injury, while left-handed opener Tagnarine Chanderpaul gets another chance to build on his impressive debut against Australia.
West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2022.
West Indies great and lead selector Desmond Haynes believes conditions in Zimbabwe will help his spinners and is confident that both Motie and Warrican can make an impact.
“We looked at the conditions we anticipate playing in, and have included two left-arm spinners who didn’t go to Australia in Motie and Warrican,” Haynes noted.
“With our fast bowlers, Seales has done extremely well for us since he started back in 2021, but with him unavailable we have decided that Gabriel would be best able to fill that role.
“He (Gabriel) is an experienced bowler who has been at the international level for over 10 years and has knowledge of the conditions in Zimbabwe when we won there in 2017.”
And while Haynes is expecting Zimbabwe to prove a difficult team to beat, he is confident that his side can find their best form.
“This is the start of the international calendar for 2023 and we will hope to start with a win,” Haynes added.
“We appreciate it won’t be as easy assignment as Zimbabwe, like most other teams in world cricket, play very well on their home soil on pitches that will support their style of play.”
Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Nkrumah Bonner, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican
Schedule:
February 4-8: First Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
February 12-16: Second Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (ICC)
